Banana Republic Bedford Handbag

Where: Ebay
Cost: $75

Yes, this is quite expensive if you are used to paying thrift store prices, but a good handbag can last you a really long time. The leather on this bag is so luxurious and the hardware and construction are sturdy. It truly is the only bag I have been using since I got it back in September.

Ebay is a great place to purchase nice handbags. This one was not even used. It originally retailed for $198 so I did get quite a bargain. Clothing is tricky on ebay unless you are sure of your size in a particular brand. And you can even get burned purchasing shoes.... but handbags always fit.

My Winter Skin Must- Haves

These items save my skin all year round, but are especially useful in the dry winter months.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Lotion. This is by far the best body lotion I have ever used (granted, I have only experienced drug store brands and the occasional bath and body works- no fancy stuff here). It is high in glycerin so it is absorbed quickly and the smell is pleasant (not overpowering and not grandma-ish). Acutally now that I think about it, the scent really reminds me of Calvin Klein cologne circa 1997 - I think it was CK-one. Anyways this is the only body lotion I will ever buy again.




Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. Again. Best hand cream I have ever used. Back when I was in college in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, it would be so cold and windy walking around campus that it was not unusual to see people walking backwards to avoid the wind hitting their faces. Even with my hands in gloves and shoved inside my pockets, they would become chapped and dry. I tried this lotion after seeing the commercial about how the Norwegian fisherman use the same formula. I have never bought any other hand cream. I go through about 1 tube a year because "a dab will do it". And at around $4 I cant really think of a better deal. I go for the frangrance free version of this stuff because the fragrance the last time I smelled was too medicinal.

Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap. I use this all year round because it is gentle and I love the little dove imprinted in a brand new bar. I enjoy the smell of the soap (even if it is unscented), it smells like clean to me. My doctor told me a few years ago that especially in winter time, it was not necessary to wash all of your body with soap. She recommended this soap, used sparingly on only, uh... certain parts of the body. I have not had an issue with flaking skin since. This soap also doubles as my facial cleanser, recommended by my dermatologist.





Smith's Rosebud Salve. I discovered this last year and am almost done using my first pot. I am already planning my next purchase. I use this on my lips but also on my cuticles and elbows. It is very pretty to pull out and ofcourse I love the vintage feel of the tin. This comes highly recommended by beauty editors in all your major magazines, yet this is something that is very affordable.

Polka Dot Silk Blouse

Where: Consignment Boutique
Cost: $2

Old Navy Denim Jacket

Where: Consignment Boutique
Cost: $6

The grey pants are not secondhand. I got them from Express about a year ago. I am wearing my Ferragamo flats. I need to find a better way to take pictures of myself. I was trying to set the automatic timer on the camera and as I was walking away it took this. But it is good because you can see the details like the ruffle on the blouse and the nice lines of the jacket.

I've Been Tagged!

Wow I feel like a real blogger! How exciting! Marjorie at My Inner French Girl has tagged me for a meme.

What four things do you love most about living in France? I do not live in France but I have been very inspired by the culture for the last few years.

1. The French value quality over quantity. This goes most famously for food, but also in their wardrobes. Yes I shop secondhand, but I am very picky about what I bring home. Its easy to go crazy at a thrift store where everything is so cheap, but discretion is necessary to avoid a closet full of junk.
   
2. The French have a healthier relationship with food. No obsession over fat grams here! The French eat real food and they eat until they are satisfied. If you do this and listen to your body, you will be at the weight you are meant to be (which may not be as small as you want but you will be happier following these rules). Use real cream in your coffee, eat cheese, and use real butter. For more info read The Fat Fallacy by Will Clower.
3. The French love cheese. I love cheese. All different kinds. I eat several types daily.
   
4. The French adore that which is old. This includes antique furniture, wine, and even women of a "certain age". Americans are obsessed with youth and value the newest technologies. Secondhand often has a stigma attached to it in the US. If it is not brand new then it must not be that great. Obviously I disagree.

What four most memorable jobs have you had?

1. "Comp Shopper" for Target. I went undercover in Wal Mart stores to determine the prices of thousands of items. I reported back with Wal Mart's prices scanned in a special machine. I got caught by the manager of Wal Mart and all the employees gave me dirty looks everyday. It was pretty much the worst job ever. (FYI Wal Mart has these people for Target too).
2. Right out of college I worked as a research assistant for a major university's project on pond management techniques in the Southeast. My degree was in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. Go figure.
3. Cashier at the University Bookstore. What a great job (I am being sincere, I really enjoyed it!). I sold sodas, candy, and condoms to my fellow students for three years.
4. My current position as a Nutritionist in public health. I tell moms that their kids need more than kool aid, fried chicken, and chips to survive. As you can tell it has made me a little cynical.

Four quirky things about the way I eat (and drink):

1. I avoid "faux foods" like high fructose corn syrup but crave diet soda daily. I can not help it. Nothing tastes better in the afternoon than an ice cold can of chemicals.
2. I could eat bean burritos everyday (homemade) and have for four days straight.
3. I can feel pretty good after one glass of beer.
4. I like eating my ice cream out of a cup. No bowls please.

What are your four favorite foods?

1. Mexican Food (I love it all)
   
2. Sushi
3. Tea
4. Cheese

Four recipes you cook all the time?

1. Lasagna.
   
2. Bean burritos (see above).
3. French onion soup
4. Frozen pizza (but I doctor it up with peppers, mushroom, and spinach). That counts right?

Because I enjoy their styles, I am going to tag Allie and Shar.

Banana Republic Red Merino Sweater

Where: Goodwill
Cost: $3.29

Olive Banana Republic Chinos

Where: Goodwill
Cost: $3.79 plus $10 hem = $13.79

Three Strand Beaded Necklace

Where: Consignment Boutique
Cost: $6

Ferragamo Flats


Was at work when I realized "My whole outfit is secondhand today!", which I thought was pretty cool. Then I came home and took this picture.

Hmmm.... I love the pants and necklace and ofcourse my beloved flats, but this sweater doesnt look very good. I kind of look frumpy and a little too old.

Sweaters are difficult for me to feel like I look great in. I have broad shoulders and a large chest compared to my hips. I prefer looser fitting sweaters that dont cling to my shoulders or chest but this one is a little too loose. I think I will save this sweater for hanging around on the weekends...

Another good thing about secondhand style: not a huge loss. I think I can spare $3.29

Blue Pumas

Where: Ebay
Cost: $24.95

A more stylish alternative to ugly cross trainers, these shoes are good for walking and when you have to be on your feet all day. I had a pair of burgundy puma anjan's for four years before retiring them. This fall when I went online to find their replacement, I discovered that they discontinued the style.

Ebay is a great place to go when this happens. I found these new on ebay for 24.95 (plus S&H but I dont remember how much).

Forgot to mention that they were regularly $65. Oh yes I love a good deal.

Black Leather Knee High Boots

Where: Mission Thrift Store
Cost: $6

I love tall leather boots. I have loved them for years, dating back to my first pleather black knee highs from k-mart in tenth grade (I wore them with a denim pencil skirt and a purple v- neck sweater with hoop earrings- quite chic for my age if I say so myself). I currently have three pairs in rotation right now: these low heel black ones, a low heel brown pair, and a high heel brown pair.

It's an addiction that could possibly be quite expensive. But when you find good quality boots for $6 (yes, these are real leather) that are comfortable and worn regularly, its easy not to feel guilty about having so many pairs of boots.